Malibu vs Altima
In the midsize sedan class, the Malibu and the Altima are natural rivals. The Altima wins more of the areas that we compared (3 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Altima wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Altima wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Altima wins
- Engine & Performance0.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.9
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Altima has 25 hp more power
On total system output, the Altima posts 188 hp against 163 hp for the Malibu, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Altima’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Altima has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the Altima is a touch ahead here, listing 39 mpg against 36 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Altima has available all-wheel drive
For anyone who wants available all-wheel drive, the Malibu is out of the running. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
In overall size, the Malibu and the Altima are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,283 lb |
Engine & Performance
Altima leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the Altima is comfortably ahead. The Altima answers with 25 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the Altima comes out ahead.
Total system output
Malibu: 163 hp Altima: 188 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Altima leads
On fuel economy & range, the Altima comes out slightly ahead. The Altima wins here with better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. For fuel economy & range, the Altima is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (highway)
Malibu: 36 mpg Altima: 39 mpg The Altima uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Altima leads
The Malibu comes close on off-road & towing, but the Altima does just enough to lead. The Altima pulls ahead with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. That makes the Altima the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
AWD / 4WD available
Malibu: no Altima: yes The Altima offers all-wheel drive; the Malibu doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Malibu and the Altima row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 163 hp Least powerful in class | 188 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 39 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | 16.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.7 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 35.20 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8 in Smallest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.2 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73 in | 72.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 56.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,283 lb |
Price
| Spec | Malibu | Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,800 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Altima if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (188 hp vs 163 hp)
- you cover long highway distances (39 mpg vs 36 mpg on the highway)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Malibu or the Altima?
On the specs compared here, the Altima makes more sense for most buyers; the Malibu doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Malibu bigger than the Altima?
Neither by much. The Malibu and the Altima have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
The Malibu from Chevrolet and the Altima from Nissan go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. The Altima wins me over with 25 hp more power. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Altima has better highway fuel economy.
I’d steer the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Malibu and engine & performance fans toward the Altima.
My pick: the Altima.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.